Summer on the horizon at Fairview Lake YMCA camps open house

STILLWATER, NJ — Families are invited to the scenic, 600-acre Fairview Lake YMCA Camps on March 6 to check out more than two dozen camps and trips — from the traditional to the creative, to the adventurous — offered this summer for children ages 6 to 16.

Parents can meet the camp directors at a camp open house on Sunday, March 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. To learn more, visit fairviewlakeymca.org or call 1-800-686-1166.

The Fairview Lake Y has added three new camps. The two-week co-ed Tupelo camp for children entering grades two through 10 is the newest traditional camp — with a twist. Campers sample various activities the first week and then during the second week they focus on two specialty programs, such as horseback riding, target sports and boating, in which to advance their skills.

Minisink Explorers introduces first-timers entering grades two to four to the traditional sleepaway experience with a four-day, three night session that has a low camper-to-counselor ratio.

Pioneers, the newest speciality camp, offers children in grades four through 10 the chance to experience the great outdoors as Fairview Lake Y campers did in 1915. They’ll try horseback riding, cooking over a fire, boating and archery, and learn woodsman’s skills, including identifying animals and plants.

“The Fairview Lake YMCA has camps to suit most children’s interests and abilities in a fun, safe and enriching setting that encourages each one of them to stretch beyond their normal comfort zone,” Executive Director Bob Kahle said in a release.